The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) is a popular American television network that features a mix of talk shows, drama series, documentaries, and lifestyle programming. Since its launch in 2011, OWN has become a major player in the media industry, known for its inspirational content and strong focus on African American audiences. But who actually owns OWN? This article will explore the ownership of OWN, its history, and how Oprah Winfrey remains an important part of the network.
Who Owns the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)?
OWN is majority-owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, but Oprah Winfrey still holds a minority stake in the company and plays a major role in its programming decisions.
- Oprah Winfrey: Founder and minority owner (5% stake).
- Warner Bros. Discovery: Majority owner (95% stake).
How Did OWN Begin?
The Early Days (2008-2011)
- In 2008, Oprah Winfrey announced the creation of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) as a joint venture with Discovery, Inc.
- The network officially launched on January 1, 2011, replacing the Discovery Health Channel.
- OWN was designed to reflect Oprah’s values, with programming that was uplifting, empowering, and focused on self-improvement.
Discovery’s Increasing Ownership
- At launch, Oprah Winfrey owned 50% of OWN, while Discovery, Inc. owned the other 50%.
- Over the years, Discovery gradually increased its stake:
- In 2017, Discovery bought an additional 24.5%, increasing its total share to 74.5%.
- In 2020, Discovery acquired a controlling 95% stake, making Oprah a minority owner with 5%.
- Oprah Winfrey received Discovery shares in return, making her a major Discovery investor.
OWN Becomes Part of Warner Bros. Discovery
- In 2022, Discovery, Inc. merged with WarnerMedia to form Warner Bros. Discovery.
- As a result, OWN became part of the Warner Bros. Discovery media empire, alongside HBO, CNN, and TLC.
Does Oprah Winfrey Still Control OWN?
- Yes, Oprah is still involved! While she no longer owns a majority stake, she still influences programming decisions and remains the face of the network.
- She has a content deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to produce exclusive content for OWN and other platforms.
What Kind of Shows Does OWN Feature?
OWN focuses on inspirational and diverse programming, including:
- Talk Shows: Super Soul Sunday, The Oprah Conversation
- Drama Series: Queen Sugar, Greenleaf, The Haves and the Have Nots
- Reality TV: Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Ready to Love
- Lifestyle & Wellness: Oprah’s Master Class, Iyanla: Fix My Life
Is OWN Still Successful?
Yes! Despite changes in ownership, OWN remains a highly successful network, particularly with African American audiences.
- OWN is available in over 80 million U.S. homes.
- Its shows continue to perform well, with high ratings and strong viewer engagement.
- OWN has expanded into streaming through partnerships with Max (formerly HBO Max) and Discovery+.
References
To ensure accurate information, here are some sources on OWN’s ownership:
| Source |
|---|
| Oprah Winfrey Network-Wikipedia |
| Warner Bros. Discovery Press Release |
| Forbes – Oprah Winfrey’s Business Empire |
| Variety – OWN Network News |
| Deadline – Discovery’s Stake in OWN |
Conclusion
OWN is now majority-owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, but Oprah Winfrey still plays a vital role in shaping the network’s content. Originally launched as a joint venture with Discovery, OWN has grown into a successful and influential network. Oprah may no longer be the majority owner, but her vision, influence, and leadership continue to define OWN’s success.